Guidelines for FIFA Match Officials - FIFA.com

Guidelines for
FIFA Match Offi cials
– COMMISSIONER
– SECURITY OFFICER
– REFEREE INSPECTOR
– REFEREES AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
1

Introduction
Appointment as a match offi cial at one of the FIFA competitions is an honour – but it
also entails a wide range of responsibilities. Match offi cials will be expected to show
enough fl exibility to adapt to situations that may not be covered even by the following
comprehensive guidelines.
Match offi cials may request further information from:
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
President: Joseph S. Blatter
General Secretary: Urs Linsi
Address: Hitzigweg 11
P.O. Box 85
8030 Zurich
Switzerland
Telephone: +41-1/384 95 95
+41-43/222 77 77 – as of 1.1.2004
Telefax: +41-1/384 96 96
+41-43/222 78 78 – as of 1.1.2004
Email: media@fi fa.org
Website: www.fi fa.com
These guidelines are valid for all FIFA preliminary and fi nal competitions as from
August 2003.
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Contents
A. THE FIFA COMMISSIONER
4
1. The Commissioner’s Basic Responsibility .................................. 6
1.1. Special Telephone Number
2. Preparing for the Trip ................................................................ 6
2.1. Preparations
2.2. Travel
2.3. Insurance Cover
3. The Host Association’s Duties ................................................... 8
4. Upon Arrival at the Match Venue ............................................... 8
4.1. Verifi cation of the Players’ Identities
4.2. Inspection of the Stadium
5. Meeting with the Teams and Other Offi cials ............................ 10
5.1. Offi cial Meeting
5.2. Match Arrangements
5.3. Use of the Pitch for Practice
5.4. Advertising on Players’ Kit
5.5. Team Colours
6. Security .................................................................................. 14
6.1. Safety and Security Matters
6.2. Duties of the Security Offi cer
7. Matchday Countdown ............................................................. 16
7.1. Match Timing
7.2. Teams’ Entrance and Exit
7.3. Opening Ceremonies
7.4. Transportation to the Match
7.5. Warming-up Before the Match
7.6. Warming-up During the Match
7.7. Commissioner’s Seat in the Stadium

8. Referees and Assistant Referees ............................................. 19
8.1. Pre-match Assistance for the Referees and Assistant Referees
8.2. Instructions to the Referees and Assistant Referees Before the Match
8.3. Result of the Previous Match/Extra Time/Golden Goal/Penalty Kicks
8.4. Interviews
8.5. Half-time
9. The Commissioner’s and Referee Inspector’s Match Reports ... 20
9.1. Taking Notes/Making a Report
9.2. Number of Spectators/Television Revenue
9.3. Proof of Disturbances
10. At the End of the Match ........................................................... 20
11. Doping .................................................................................... 21
12. Cancellation / Postponement .................................................. 22
B. REFEREEING
1. Duties of the Referee Inspector ............................................... 23
2. Instructions to the Referees and Assistant Referees ................ 24
2.1. Responsibilities of FIFA
2.2. Responsibilities of the Host Association
2.3. Responsibilities of the Referee, the Assistant Referees
and the Fourth Offi cial
2.4. Responsibility of the Referees’ and Assistant Referees’
National Associations
2.5. Insurance Cover
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6
A. THE FIFA COMMISSIONER
1. THE COMMISSIONER’S BASIC RESPONSIBILITY
The role of the FIFA commissioner as FIFA’s offi cial representative at a match is of
paramount importance. He is the authority responsible for ensuring that the match is
properly organised and runs smoothly. The commissioner shall be absolutely objective
and his behaviour invariably refl ect this principle. He shall constantly be alert to
all incidents and comments concerning the match itself.
1.1. Special Telephone Number
In emergencies, FIFA may be contacted on the following telephone number,
24 hours a day:
Tel. +41-1-/384 96 00
Tel. +41-43/222 79 99 – as of 1.1.2004
If there is no reply, a message may be left on the answering machine. This
number is reserved for emergencies only.
2. PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
2.1. Preparations
Preparation for a match consists mainly of studying the competition regulations,
this booklet and any other information sent by FIFA.
The commissioner shall make sure that he is familiar with the competition
regulations and the particular circumstances pertaining to the match (previous
results, suspended players, qualifying procedure etc.).
This point also applies to the referee, the referee inspector, the security offi cer,
and any other FIFA match offi cial appointed to the match.
2.2. Travel
As a rule, the commissioner shall make every effort to reach the match venue
two days before the match but at the latest one day before the match. If he
is prevented from adhering to his intended travel schedule, the FIFA general
secretariat and the match organisers shall be informed without delay.
FIFA will issue a PTA or ticket, which the commissioner shall use. Changes in
itinerary will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
FIFA will inform the national associations organising the match (host association)
of the exact travel arrangements of the match commissioner, so that they can
reserve his hotel room and arrange for him to be met at the airport.
This point also applies to the referees, the referee inspector, the security offi cer
and any other FIFA match offi cial if appointed.

If a visa is required for any of these offi cials, the FIFA Travel Offi ce shall inform
them accordingly. They shall apply for the visas in their respective country with
the assistance of their national association. Any further information (passport
details etc.) necessary for the host association to arrange the visas shall be
provided by the offi cials’ respective national association (with a copy to FIFA).
The FIFA Travel Offi ce shall regularly provide the offi cials with information
regarding entry, visa and health regulations
2.3. Insurance Cover
FIFA commissioners travelling offi cially on behalf of FIFA are included in the
scope of several insurance policies concluded by FIFA on a voluntary basis.
Benefi ts and claims are exclusively regulated by the respective insurance
contracts and conditions. The insurance limits arising among other things
from the existing “Group Personal Accident Insurance” including “Travel Health
Insurance” and “Luggage Insurance” are briefl y outlined as follows:
Group Personal Accident Insurance
– In the case of death: CHF 300,000
– In the case of disablement: up to CHF 500,000
> this sum may increase in the case of
permanent total disablement: up to CHF 1 million
– Daily allowance in the case of accident (from 1 st day): CHF 275
– Medical expenses in the case of accident: unlimited for a period of 10 years
Travel Health Insurance
Medical expenses in the case of acute illness: up to CHF 100,000
Luggage Insurance
Loss of luggage (including cash up to CHF 1,000): up to CHF 5,000
Additional travel expenses incurred as the result of an accident or illness are
also covered as follows:
– rescue and search operations;
– transportation to the nearest suitable hospital;
– additional costs for direct repatriation or return transportation to a suitable
hospital.
Claims against the above insurance must be submitted to the FIFA general
secretariat in writing within seven days of the incident.
7

3. THE HOST ASSOCIATION’S DUTIES
The host association shall notify the commissioner and FIFA (matchorganisation@
fi fa.org) by telefax and e-mail, if available, of:
– the town where the match is being played;
– the name of the stadium;
– the kick-off time;
– the name, address, telephone and telefax numbers and e-mail of the commissioner’s
hotel;
– the name, address, telephone and telefax numbers and e-mail of the referee’s
hotel (if different from the commissioner’s hotel);
– the date and time of arrival of the home team in the town where the match is to be
played;
– the names, addresses, telephone and telefax numbers, and e-mail of the two
teams’ hotels;
– the date and time of arrival of the visiting team;
– a 24-hour mobile phone number of the person in charge from the host association
for the match (in operation from 4 days before the match until the departure of the
teams and match offi cials).
The host association shall provide accommodation for the commissioner, referees
and assistant referees of the match (and referee inspector, security offi cer and any
other match offi cial, if appointed by FIFA) in the same fi rst-class hotel. The two teams
shall be accommodated in two separate hotels different from the match offi cials’
hotel. If this is not possible, the commissioner shall take a decision on the matter.
The commissioner shall be provided with a chauffeur-driven car from the time he
arrives in the country of the host association until he leaves (this point also applies
to the referee inspector and security offi cer, if appointed). The host association shall
assign an offi cial to assist the commissioner in his duties and if necessary to act as
interpreter (this point also applies to the referee inspector, security offi cer and any
other match offi cial, if appointed by FIFA). Contact details (including mobile phone
number) of these offi cials shall be notifi ed to FIFA before match offi cials’ arrival.
The host association shall inform the visiting association of the place and the time
of verifi cation of the players’ identities and the offi cial meeting (see points 4.1. and
5.1.). The visiting association shall comply with these arrangements.
4. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE MATCH VENUE
As soon as he arrives, the commissioner shall fi x times with the host association for
the following formalities:
1. Verifi cation of the players’ identity
2. Inspection of the stadium
3. Offi cial meeting
8

4.1. Verifi cation of the Players’ Identities
When checking the players’ identities against their passports, passport
numbers (and players’ licences, if necessary) at the teams’ hotels, the
commissioner shall make sure that:
– apart from himself, the only persons allowed into the room are the players
themselves, the head of delegation, the head of administration, the
president of the association (if he wishes), a representative from the other
team’s delegation (if he wishes), the assistant to the commissioner and the
delegation’s interpreter;
– the players who are entitled to take part in the match shall take turns to show
their passports (and players’ licences, if any) for verifi cation. Should a player
not be in possession of a passport, or if it has expired or has obviously been
tampered with, he shall not be allowed to take part in the match. Identity
cards or other similar documents cannot be used as a replacement for a
passport. This decision is fi nal.
– protests against the eligibility of players shall be submitted in writing to
the referee or the commissioner not later than two hours after the match in
question and confi rmed by registered letter to be sent to the FIFA general
secretariat not later than two days after the match. Should such a complaint
prove to be unfounded, the national association which has erroneously
lodged the complaint runs the risk of being sanctioned.
4.2. Inspection of the Stadium
The commissioner shall inspect the stadium as follows:
– condition of pitch;
– completion of pitch (markings, goals, substitutes’ benches, corner fl ags,
fl ag posts (number and position), substitution numbers, advertising boards,
camera positions in the enclosure);
– dressing rooms for teams, the referees and assistant referees, as well as the
doping control room (attention to cleanliness);
– fi rst aid services;
– circulation fl ow for the respective groups (teams, referees, media, VIPs,
general public).
As a rule, the referees and assistant referees shall be present during the
inspection, but, in some cases, only the fourth offi cial.
9

5. MEETING WITH THE TEAMS AND OTHER OFFICIALS
10
5.1. Offi cial Meeting
The following persons are required to attend the offi cial meeting convened by
the commissioner:
– the heads of both team delegations;
– the coaches (or assistant coaches) of both teams;
– both team doctors;
– the heads of administration of both delegations;
– the referee inspector, if appointed;
– the FIFA security offi cer, if appointed;
– the FIFA media offi cer, if appointed;
– any other FIFA match offi cial, if appointed;
– the referees and assistant referees, in some cases only the fourth offi cial;
– the representatives of the organisers;
– the stadium authorities (stadium director);
– the organisers’ head of security;
– the person assigned to assist the commissioner;
– the interpreters of both team delegations, if required.
In the case of high-risk matches, the meeting shall also be attended by the
following persons:
– chief of police;
– chief of medical services;
– chief of the fi re brigade.
Media representatives shall not be admitted.
Before the start of the meeting, the commissioner shall ask everyone present
to print his/her name and function on a list of participants, which shall be
retained by the commissioner.
The commissioner shall discuss point 5.2. (match arrangements including
the countdown) and 6.1. (safety and security matters) as well as the training
times for offi cial training in the stadium (if not already decided) at the offi cial
meeting. He shall begin with the match arrangements so that the referees and
assistant referees (if present) may then leave the meeting.
5.2. Match Arrangements
(a) Kick-off time: confi rm kick-off time; emphasise punctuality as regards arrival
at the stadium, kick-off and the start of the second half; fi x departure time
from the hotel for the commissioner (and referee inspector, if appointed) to
arrive at the stadium at least 2 hours before kick-off, for the referees and
assistant referees and the two teams to arrive at least 90 minutes before
kick-off. If necessary, the match commissioner, the referees and the two
teams shall be escorted by the police to arrive at the stadium on time;

(b) Match timing and teams’ entrance and exit: see points 7.1. and 7.2.;
(c) Dressing Rooms for the referees and assistant referees, the teams and
the doping control room shall be fully equipped (with massage tables,
blackboards etc.) and clean and tidy;
(d) Discipline: every participant (listed players and substitutes, coaches, other
team offi cials, etc.) shall be prevailed upon to respect fair play, the referee’s
decisions and the spectators; not to feign injury; to show discipline on the
bench (no interference with assistant referees); to be aware of the serious
consequences of poor sportsmanship or lack of discipline;
(e) Advertising: see point 5.4.;
(f) Team Colours: see point 5.5.;
(g) Footballs: Acceptance of a football for use in FIFA competitions is conditional
upon the football bearing one of the following designations:
– the offi cial “FIFA APPROVED” logo;
– the offi cial “FIFA INSPECTED” logo;
– the reference “International Matchball Standard” (together with other
such indications of technical conformity, as required by FIFA);
(h) Shinguards/Appearance: compliance from every player with instructions
for compulsory shinguards and tidy appearance throughout the match
(shirts tucked into shorts and socks pulled up);
(i) Pitch Markings: to be checked before the match, after warming-up and
during half-time;
(j) Substitutes’ Benches: one bench for each team’s substitutes and offi cials
(and interpreter, if any); one bench for the fourth offi cial (substitution
numbers and assistant referees’ fl ags shall be kept ready);
(k) Technical Area: only one person per team is authorised to convey tactical
instructions to his players at any one time within the confi nes of the
technical area during the match and he must return to his position after
giving these instructions. He shall always conduct himself in a responsible
manner. The technical area shall be clearly marked;
(l) Injured Players: only two team assistants are permitted to enter the pitch
when the referee signals them to do so. The injured person shall be treated
quickly and return to play or else carried off for treatment outside the
playing area. The player may not return to the pitch until the referee has
given him a signal to do so. In any case, water may be distributed to the
players during stoppages in play;
(m) Ballboys/Ballgirls: the number of ballboys/ballgirls and where they will be
positioned;
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(n) Flags / National Anthems / FIFA Anthem: the FIFA fl ag must be hoisted. It
is up to the host and visiting teams and the region/town/city where the
match is being held to decide whether they wish their fl ags to be fl own too.
The competing national associations are free to decide mutually whether
they wish to have their national anthems played at their matches. The FIFA
anthem shall be played while the teams are entering the fi eld;
(o) Telefax: ascertain where a telefax is available to send the offi cial reports
after the match (at the latest 24 hours after the end of the match).
5.3. Use of the Pitch for Practice
As a rule, the two teams are entitled to a light practice session not exceeding
75 minutes on the offi cial match pitch up to the day before the match, but only
if the ground and weather permits. No practice may take place at the ground on
match days. The practising team is entitled to refuse access to the media, if it
so wishes, but is recommended to allow 15 minutes of media presence, after
which the media shall leave the stadium.
The visiting team (wearing gym shoes on the pitch) is entitled to check the
fl oodlights on the day before the match, if the weather does not permit a
training session.
The commissioner is authorised to arrange the training sessions for the two
teams in the stadium.
5.4. Advertising on Players’ Kit
With the exception of the manufacturer’s trademark, no kind of identifi cation
of sponsors or any other third party or slogans of a political, commercial,
religious or racist nature or any other slogans are permitted on any garments
or equipment of players and goalkeepers (shirts, vests, shorts, thermal shorts,
socks, gloves, caps, underwear etc.) in the entire pitch area.
Furthermore, no recognition of the above-mentioned nature is allowed to
be visible, in any manner on the body of players and goalkeepers, on other
team offi cials or elsewhere. If a national association and/or its players fail to
comply with the above obligations, they will be liable to sanctions by the FIFA
Disciplinary Committee.
The manufacturer’s authorised trademark may be used only once as a graphic
logo or name, or graphic logo and name combined (in accordance with the FIFA
Equipment Regulations), and shall not exceed the following measurements:

– shirt: 20 cm2 (on the chest)
– shorts: 20 cm2 (on either leg)
– socks: 20 cm2 (between the ankle and the top edge)
– thermal shorts: 20 cm2 (on either leg)
– goalkeeper’s gloves: 20 cm2 (a “design mark” or a “word mark”, or
a “design mark” and a “word mark”
combined, measuring a maximum of
20 cm2 on each of the goalkeeper’s
gloves)
– wristbands: 20 cm2 – track suit jacket: 20 cm2 – track suit shorts/trousers: 20 cm2 The national association’s emblem may also be worn as a badge on the shirt,
shorts and each sock but may not exceed 100 cm2 on the shirt, 50 cm2 on the
shorts and 50 cm2 on each sock or feature any advertising or other elements.
The emblem or name (or abbreviation) of the national association may also be
displayed on the shirt and/or shorts in jacquard weave provided that the colour
is similar to that of the shirt or shorts into which it is woven and that it does
not prevent the kit from being easily distinguished from the opposing team’s
kit. It is not compulsory for the emblem or name (or abbreviation) on the shirt
to appear in jacquard weave but it may also be printed or affi xed in a similar
manner provided that it does not predominate and prevent the kit from being
easily distinguished from the opposing team’s kit.
The emblem of the national fl ag may also be worn on the shirt, shorts and on
each sock and shall not feature any advertising, design or other elements and
not exceed the following measurements:
– shirt: 25 cm2 each, if positioned once on the left and/
or once on the right sleeve or
25 cm2 each, if positioned once on the back
above the number and/or once on the
front at chest height
– shorts: 25 cm2 on the right or left leg
– socks: 25 cm2 to be positioned at will
Referees and assistant referees are also prohibited from wearing advertising
on their kit.
The commissioner shall report any violations of these provisions to the FIFA
general secretariat.
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5.5. Team Colours
Each team shall take its reserve outfi ts to every match and to the offi cial
meeting. If, in the opinion of the referee or the commissioner, the colours
worn by two opposing teams might lead to confusion or prove unsuitable for
television broadcasts, they shall be modifi ed, using either the entire reserve
outfi t or a combination of both.
The goalkeepers shall wear colours contrasting with each other and those of
the two teams and referees.
The referees shall also check their own colours with the colours of the two
teams.
6. SECURITY
FIFA and/or the host national association shall decide whether a match is declared
a high risk or not.
6.1. Safety and Security Matters
Matches may only be played in all-seater stadiums. If only stadiums with both
seating and standing areas are available, the standing space shall remain
vacant.
The commissioner shall emphasise the following points for high-risk matches
at the offi cial meeting. The commissioner shall use his discretion as to which of
the various items need to be discussed for normal risk matches:
(a) Establish good relations and co-ordination with the security forces;
(b) Verify the capacity of the stadium (number of seats) and the estimated
attendance;
(c) Visiting supporters: How many are expected? How many tickets have been
allocated to them? Will foreign supporters be able to understand direction
signs in and around the stadium? Are travelling arrangements known?
Parking strategy for buses and cars (segregated from home supporters)?
Arrangements at airport for arrival and departure? Dispersal arrangements
after match?
(d) Supervision of the sale of tickets (keeping spectator groups apart, police
protection);
(e) Counterfeit tickets: Is the demand for tickets such that there could be a
danger of counterfeit tickets coming into circulation? Are the authorities
prepared for the late emergence of forged tickets?
(f) Check safety measures in and outside the stadium; the need for the
presence of adequate security forces on duty before, during and after
the match (the security offi cers inside the stadium shall be immediately
identifi able as such);

(g) One or two police cordons around the stadium (as the fi rst stage in checking
and channelling spectators);
(h) Details of entry procedures; personal inspection of each spectator upon
entering the stadium: confi scation of weapons, fl ags, fi reworks, bottles,
etc.;
(i) No kick-off until the situation outside the stadium and in the stands is
under complete control;
(j) Amenities in the stadium: individually numbered seats, easy access to
refreshment stalls, public conveniences, medical and fi rst-aid facilities,
stand-by forces etc.;
(k) Searching spectators: who will be responsible?
(l) All stadium exit doors and gates in the fence around the pitch shall always
remain unlocked and each be permanently manned by a steward;
(m) Emergency evacuation arrangements;
(n) Advertising boards shall be placed in such a way that they do not obstruct
the opening of safety gates and do not represent a danger to the players;
(o) Spectators and all other unauthorised persons, such as media
re presentatives, shall be barred from entering the stadium enclosure;
(p) Anyone authorised to enter the stadium enclosure, such as ballboys/
ballgirls, photographers, etc. shall be prevailed upon to behave correctly
and refrain from trespassing onto the fi eld;
(q) Letting off fi reworks of any kind is strictly prohibited; organisers shall be
discouraged from using fi reworks in the stadium during ceremonies;
(r) The sale of alcohol and the distribution of any drinks to the public in bottles
or tins are strictly prohibited;
(s) Are the local authorities satisfi ed with the fi re precautions?
(t) The organisers shall designate a person for the commissioner to contact
if emergency announcements need to be made over the stadium
loudspeaker;
(u) Are loudspeaker announcers available in the required languages (home
and visiting teams’ etc.)?
(v) Are the security measures for the visiting team’s arrival at and departure
from the stadium adequate?
(w) Do the commissioner, referees, assistant referees and teams need a police
escort (on match days, for training sessions, etc.)?
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(x) Crisis group: During the offi cial meeting (5.1): agree on the formation
of a small crisis group to meet in the event of a major crisis (e.g. police
commander, fi re chief, medical chief, stadium manager, one representative
from each team, commissioner, FIFA security offi cer, media offi cer) and on
a central meeting point and a code to be communicated in the case of an
emergency.
Important and essential fi nal questions on safety/security matters: are the
security, fi re and medical authorities all perfectly satisfi ed with the match
preparations – or is there anything which FIFA and/or the organising national
association or the stadium directors should do which has not yet been done?
These questions shall be asked and the responses noted.
6.2. Duties of the Security Offi cer
FIFA will appoint a security offi cer to any match considered a high risk. FIFA
alone is responsible for taking such a decision and it is fi nal. The security offi cer
shall be under the authority of the commissioner for the entire duration of his
assignment (see 6.1. regarding the duties of the security offi cer).
7. MATCHDAY COUNTDOWN
7.1. Match Timing
The organising national association shall appoint an offi cial to ensure that all
arrangements for the match run smoothly. He shall be the main link with the
commissioner throughout the whole match.
Countdown before kick-off
– security check by the security offi cer – 3h 30 m
– opening of the stadium – 2h 30 m
– arrival of the commissioner and media offi cers – 2h
The following facilities shall now be ready for the commissioner to check:
– security service, loudspeakers, scoreboard, stadium personnel, dressing
rooms for teams and referees/assistant referees, assistant referees’ fl ags,
(of the two teams, of FIFA, the confederation and/or city), match balls,
pump, barometer, fi rst-aid facilities, completion of pitch (markings, goals,
substitutes’ benches, substitution numbers, ground advertising, camera
positions in the enclosure, corner fl ags);
– arrival of the referees/assistant referees and teams, meet up
with media offi cer to coordinate release of line-up forms – 1h 30 m

– line-up forms to be handed out to teams
– collection of completed line-up forms
– 75 m
(copies to media and other services) – 65 m
– teams’ warm-up on the pitch
– Fair Play and national associations’ fl ags ready
– 45 m
to 20 m
at the fi nal regrouping position – 20 m
– fi nal inspection of the pitch
– welcome announcement of the team line-ups
– 18 m
by the loudspeaker announcer – 15 m
– teams wait at the tunnel ready to come onto the pitch – 9 m
– check on players’ equipment – 9 m
– children carry on the national fl ags of the competing teams – 8 m
– children carry on the FIFA Fair Play fl ag
– entrance of the teams onto the pitch
– 7 m
to the tune of the FIFA anthem – 7 m
– national anthems – 6 m
– team photographs – 2 m
– toss of coin – 1 m
– kick-off – 0
7.2. Teams’ Entrance and Exit
The commissioner shall arrange with the organisers the exact procedure to be
followed before and after the match.
Formalities such as the entrance of the teams, referees and assistant ref erees
onto the pitch, the national anthems being played, etc., should be kept brief
(not more than 10 minutes) so that the match can start punctually.
The teams are led onto the fi eld in two lines by the referees and assistant
referees, as specifi ed in the countdown to the match. The lines may by headed
by ballboys carrying the FIFA Fair Play fl ag, if available. The captain of each
team heads the line of players and only the eleven starting players may enter
the pitch. The home team forms the line on the left and the away team on the
right. Both lines stop approx. 10 m inside the pitch parallel to the touchline and
facing the VIP box, with the referees and assistant referees between the two
teams. During the march-on, the FIFA anthem is played until the teams have
formed the line. Then the national anthem of each team is played. Players must
17

18
respect the national anthem being played by standing still and quietly during
both anthems. The national anthem of the visiting team is played fi rst.
After the fi nal whistle, both teams led by the captain shall join the referee
and the assistant referees in the centre of the pitch to wave goodbye to the
spectators. They then all leave the fi eld together.
7.3. Opening Ceremonies
It is not customary for opening ceremonies and other entertainment to be
organised at FIFA competition matches. Opening ceremonies and other
entertainment before the match are permitted only on condition that they do
not affect the condition of the pitch.
7.4. Transportation to the Match
The commissioner shall make sure that he arrives at the stadium at least
2 hours before kick-off and the referees and assistant referees at least 90
minutes before. If necessary, a police escort shall be organised for them.
7.5. Warming up Before the Match
Weather permitting, the teams are entitled to warm up on the pitch, from
45 minutes to 20 minutes before kick-off. The goalkeeper may start warming
up 50 minutes before kick-off. If the weather does not permit this, a suitable
alternative location shall be designated.
7.6. Warming-up During the Match
During the match, the warm-up area for the two teams is behind the goals or
the sideline on the same side as the team bench. No more than fi ve players per
team (excluding the goalkeeper) are allowed to warm up at the same time. No
balls are allowed, except for the goalkeeper.
7.7. Commissioner’s Seat in the Stadium
The commissioner shall be given a seat in the stadium (VIP box) with the best
overall view of the entire stadium. Before the match, he shall walk from his seat
to the referee’s dressing room and onto the pitch, so that he can fi nd his way
about quickly and without delay, if necessary.
The referee inspector shall be seated next to or close to the commissioner to
facilitate contact.
The security offi cer may be positioned anywhere in the stadium, but he
shall be in permanent contact with the stadium management and the match
commissioner.

8. REFEREES AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
8.1. Pre-match Assistance for the Referees and Assistant Referees
The commissioner or the referee inspector (if appointed) shall give the referees
and assistant referees as much assistance as possible. He shall ensure the
referees and assistant referees are left undisturbed to concentrate on the match
and direct the organisers to keep unauthorised persons away from the referees’
dressing room.
8.2. Instructions to the Referees and Assistant Referees Before the Match
The commissioner or the referee inspector (if appointed) shall urge the referee
to supervise the match in accordance with the directives issued by the FIFA
Referees’ Committee and assert his authority from the start in the event of any
misconduct or foul play.
8.3. Result of the Previous Match / Extra Time /
Golden Goal / Penalty Kicks
For matches played under the cup system (knock-out), the commissioner or
the referee inspector (if appointed) shall discuss with the referee before the
match the possibility of extra time having to be played, or penalty kicks if no
goal (golden goal) has been scored during extra time to decide the outcome,
and which goal is to be used for penalty kicks. Information on these matters
can be obtained from the competition regulations and from the result of the
previous match.
8.4. Interviews
The commissioner himself shall adopt a reserved attitude towards the media
and shall not pass comment on the referees and assistant referees or any
of their decisions. Neither may he make any forecasts about forthcoming
decisions by the Disciplinary Committee in connection with any incidents that
have occurred at the game.
8.5. Half-time
If necessary, the commissioner or referee inspector may use the half-time
interval to give specifi c instructions to the referees and assistant referees (but
not in connection with the way they are offi ciating), to the offi cials responsible
for the two teams or to the organisers.
19

9. THE COMMISSIONER’S AND REFEREE INSPECTOR’S MATCH REPORTS
20
9.1. Taking Notes/Making a Report
The commissioner and referee inspector shall fi ll in an offi cial report. They
shall take notes during the match to enable them to complete the report
without omission. The commissioner’s and referee inspector’s comments are
of considerable importance in those cases which have passed unnoticed by the
referees and assistant referees. The commissioner shall be aware of incidents
occurring outside the fi eld of play, of racist or otherwise objectionable banners
in the crowd, offences committed by players behind the referee’s back and
disorderly situations such as disturbances.
The reports submitted by the commissioner and the referee inspector are
essential for the work of the FIFA Organising Committee, the Disciplinary
Committee and the Referees’ Committee.
9.2. Number of Spectators/Television Revenue
The commissioner shall ask the organisers and visiting team for details of the
number of spectators and revenue from television contracts.
Matters concerning the television contracts are of particular interest. If the
commissioner does not receive any conclusive information as to whether a
match has been televised or not, this information can be obtained via the local
press (television pages) and such source indicated in the report.
The commissioner shall include the information obtained in the offi cial report.
9.3. Proof of Disturbances
In special cases, or after particularly serious incidents, the commissioner
shall try to obtain as much information as possible for the FIFA Organising
Committee or the Disciplinary Committee (including video tapes of the match
and any specifi c incidents). In the case of missiles, this may involve retrieving
the offending object or, if this is not possible, an identical object. He may also
collect reports from the local press etc. A note shall be made of racist banners.
In some cases, it may be useful to ask for a report from the police or other
authorities.

10. AT THE END OF THE MATCH
(a) The commissioner shall ensure that the referees, assistant referees and players
from both teams may leave the stadium without diffi culty. If disturbances are
likely, he shall take special precautions with the organisers.
(b) After the match, the commissioner shall remain seated until the referees,
assistant referees and players have returned to their dressing rooms. Depending
upon the atmosphere in the stadium, it may be advisable for him to watch the
spectators leave the stadium for a while to be a witness to any disturbances.
(c) The commissioner shall then go to the teams’ dressing rooms to ascertain
whether any protests have been made.
(d) The commissioner shall subsequently go to the referees’ dressing room to
thank the referees and assistant referees.
(e) The commissioner shall discuss any incidents that have occurred during the
match with the referee and also check the details of players who were cautioned
or sent off. He shall make sure that the referee has fi lled in his report correctly
and objectively (without omitting any incidents). Any points which may seem
unclear or irrelevant shall be clarifi ed.
(f) If serious disturbances occur, it is of paramount importance that the
commissioner informs FIFA fi rst by phone and then in a written report to be sent
immediately by telefax.
(g) The commissioner or the referee inspector (if appointed) is requested to remind
the referee to send his report including the players’ lists of both teams to the
FIFA general secretariat by telefax immediately or at the latest 24 hours after
the end of the match. The referee shall send FIFA the original of the referee’s
report and the players’ lists by post within 48 hours of the match.
(h) The commissioner or the referee inspector (if appointed) shall send his report
(score, cautions, expulsions and incidents, if any) on the offi cial form to the
FIFA general secretariat by telefax immediately or at the latest 24 hours after
the end of the match. Should a telefax not be available, he shall notify FIFA
by phone of the half-time score and the fi nal score and of any incidents. The
original of the offi cial report form shall be sent to FIFA by mail within 48 hours
of the match. He shall also send the daily expense form to FIFA, indicating the
name and address of his bank and his bank account number.
21

11. DOPING
The FIFA Organising Committee reserves the right to conduct doping tests during preliminary
competitions, and also during training camps and training sessions. FIFA
will inform the commissioner in good time whether a doping test is planned during
the game in question. If so, FIFA will appoint a physician to supervise the necessary
procedure and conduct the test.
12. CANCELLATION / POSTPONEMENT
If the referee declares the pitch unfi t for play or if a match is abandoned because of
the weather or other reasons of force majeure, the match shall be postponed to a
later date in compliance with the regulations.
Should the stadium fl oodlights break down partly or completely, every step shall
be taken to correct the fault immediately. It is advisable to try to switch the lights on
again after an interval of 15 - 20 minutes. If the referee and the commissioner are
convinced that the damage cannot be repaired and the lighting is no longer suffi cient
to continue the match, the referee is entitled to abandon it. Only the referee shall
decide how long the game may be interrupted before being abandoned. Under no
circumstances may the teams make this decision. In such an event, it is important to
establish whether the failure is confi ned solely to the stadium or whether an entire
neighbourhood around the stadium has been affected.
FIFA shall investigate the cause and the possible consequences of the power failure.
For this purpose, FIFA will require a detailed and accurate report.
In all such cases, it is the commissioner’s duty to report the situation immediately to
the FIFA general secretariat.
22

B. REFEREEING
The following guidelines supplement those concerned with refereeing under item 8
of these guidelines.
1. DUTIES OF THE REFEREE INSPECTOR
FIFA reserves the right to appoint a referee inspector, in addition to the commissioner,
to any match for which extra administrative measures are required. FIFA alone
is responsible for taking such a decision and it is fi nal. The referee inspector shall
be under the authority of the commissioner for the entire duration of his assignment
and shall carry out the following duties:
(a) take all main meals with the referees and assistant referees, including dinner
on the evening before the match;
(b) accompany the referees and assistant referees on any excursions;
(c) ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not attend any press
conferences or speak to the press, before, during or after the match;
(d) ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not take part in any events
arranged by or attended by the teams;
(e) ensure that the referees and assistant referees do not accept any gifts or offers
which are more than mere souvenirs whilst in the country;
(f) assist the referee in completing the Referee’s Report form, check expulsions,
cautions and other incidents;
(g) assess the performances of the referee and assistant referees and submit a
report;
(h) analyse the match with the referees and assistant referees, explaining the
lessons to be learned and giving constructive advice for future matches.
(i) always be available to the commissioner and guarantee him full support
whenever required.
23

2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REFEREES AND ASSISTANT REFEREES
24
2.1. Responsibilities of FIFA
(a) FIFA will issue a PTA or a ticket, which shall be used by the referee, two
assistant referees and the fourth offi cial. Changes of itinerary will be
permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
(b) The referee’s national association shall inform the national association
staging the match (host association) of the refereeing group’s travel
arrangements so that it can reserve their hotel and arrange for them to be
met at the airport.
(c) FIFA shall appoint a security offi cer to any match considered to constitute
a high risk. FIFA also reserves the right to appoint a referee inspector,
in addition to the commissioner, to any match requiring extraordinary
precautions.
(d) The referee inspector shall accompany the refereeing group from the
moment of their arrival until their departure.
2.2. Responsibilities of the Host Association
(a) The host association shall notify (by telefax and e-mail) the referees’ and
assistant referees’ national associations and FIFA (matchorganisation@
fi fa.org) of the following:
– the match venue
– the name of the stadium
– the kick-off time
– the name, address, telephone and telefax numbers, and e-mail of the
referees’ and assistant referees’ hotel
– the name, addresses, telephone and telefax numbers and e-mail of the
teams’ hotels.
(b) The host association shall bear the costs of accommodation in a fi rst-class
hotel, three meals a day and local transport for the refereeing group.
The refereeing group and the commissioner/referee inspector/security
offi cer shall stay in the same hotel but in a different one from the teams.
(c) The host association shall appoint a person, preferably a former referee, to
the refereeing group to act as their interpreter and liaison offi cer from the
time they arrive in the host country until the time they leave. Contact details
(including the mobile phone number) of this person shall be notifi ed to FIFA
before the referees’ arrival.
(d) The host association is responsible for the safety of the re fereeing group
throughout their entire stay.

2.3. Responsibilities of the Referee, the Assistant Referees
and the Fourth Offi cial
(a) The referee, assistant referees and fourth offi cial shall inspect the stadium
and attend the offi cial meeting with the commissioner/referee inspector
and the team delegations.
(b) The referee appointed to the match will receive a blue Referee’s Report
form, a pink expense note and two white “List of Players” forms. The
referee and the commissioner shall coordinate the teams’ completion of
the Lists of Players before the match.
The referee shall fi ll in the blue form (Referee’s Report) at the end of the
match, taking care not to omit any disturbances, and send it to FIFA with
the two white forms (Lists of Players of both teams) by telefax on the same
day as the match. It is advisable for the referee to make a photocopy of his
report before dispatching the originals by mail.
The pink expense note shall be completed and signed by the referee,
assistant referees and fourth offi cial and forwarded by the referee to his
own national association on his return home.
(c) The referee, the fourth offi cial and the assistant referees shall enter the fi eld
of play together. The fourth offi cial shall be dressed in the same outfi t as his
three colleagues.
(d) The duty of the fourth offi cial is to replace any of the three offi cials in
case of injury. He shall also assist the referee with certain tasks directly
connected with the match. His responsibilities are described in the Laws of
the Game published annually by FIFA.
2.4. Responsibility of the Referees’ and Assistant Referees’
National Associations
The referees’ and assistant referees’ national associations shall provide
an advance for the daily allowances (cf. rates fi xed by FIFA) plus any other
expenses which might be incurred. On presentation of the expense note (pink
form) and invoices, FIFA will reimburse the costs to the refereeing group’s
national associations.
25

26
2.5. Insurance Cover
FIFA referees, assistant referees, fourth offi cials and referee inspectors
travelling offi cially on behalf of FIFA are included in the scope of several
insurance policies concluded by FIFA on a voluntary basis. Benefi ts and claims
are exclusively regulated by the respective insurance contracts and conditions.
The insurance limits arising among other things from the existing “Group
Personal Accident Insurance” including “Travel Health Insurance” as well as
“Luggage Insurance” are briefl y outlined as follows:
Group Personal Accident Insurance
– In the case of death: CHF 300,000
– In the case of disablement: up to CHF 500,000
> this sum may increase in the case of
permanent total disablement: up to CHF 1 million
– Daily allowance in the case of accident (from 1st day): CHF 275
– Medical expenses in the case of accident: unlimited for a period of 10 years
Travel Health Insurance
Medical expenses in the case of acute illness: up to CHF 100,000
Luggage Insurance
Loss of luggage (including cash up to CHF 1,000): CHF 5,000

28
08.03. DK 5,000 atw/jot